Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key contributor to the transformation in the metro rail sector, with metro systems operational in Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra, and ambitious plans for expansion. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), discusses the company’s key initiatives and priorities for the next phase of metro development…
How has the metro rail ecosystem evolved in recent years? What are the key trends shaping the sector?
The Indian metro rail ecosystem has evolved from a few large-city systems into a much broader urban transport network. India now has more than 1,000 km of an operational metro network across 26 cities, with an average daily ridership of around 11.5 million. One of the most significant changes has been its expansion beyond major metros into Tier II cities.
Technology is transforming operations. Advanced signalling and communications-based train control, automated and driverless trains, digital payments, the National Common Mobility Card, real-time passenger information, centralised control centres, data analytics and AI-based predictive maintenance are becoming increasingly important.
Another emerging trend is transit-oriented development (TOD), with greater focus on creating pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use and higher-density development around metro stations.
The sector is also becoming more self-reliant, with increasing domestic manufacturing of metro coaches and equipment. Under the Make in India initiative, UPMRC’s metro coaches for the Kanpur and Agra projects were manufactured at the Savli plant in Gujarat.
Overall, the Indian metro rail ecosystem is moving from a railway infrastructure project model towards an integrated, technology-driven, sustainable and passenger-centric urban mobility ecosystem. The next phase will depend not merely on constructing more kilometres of metro lines, but on improving ridership, multimodal integration, last-mile connectivity, financial sustainability, accessibility, digital communication and passenger experience.
What has been the progress on network expansion? What are the key projects under way?
UPMRC currently operates metro services in Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra, with approximately 100 km of corridor length either operational or under construction. In Lucknow, the existing 23 km north-south corridor is an important part of the city’s public transport system. The next major expansion is the 11.17 km east-west corridor from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, comprising seven underground and five elevated stations. The network serves key residential and commercial areas besides ensuring multimodal integration with the airport, four railway stations and two bus terminals.
In Kanpur, the metro is operating between IIT and Kanpur Central under the first corridor stretch. Soon, seven more stations will be added, and the entire 23 km corridor up to Naubasta will be operational. Kanpur Metro was inaugurated by the prime minister in December 2021 and has since changed the landscape of the city as well as the travelling behaviour of the people. Currently, work on the second corridor is also progressing rapidly, which is expected to be completed by next year. The metro rail in Kanpur has emerged as an efficient mode of transport, providing excellent multimodal connectivity with three railway stations and three bus terminals, besides connectivity to market hubs, CSJM University and institutions. Further, as an ambitious initiative for multimodal integration, a seven-storey railway station building, is currently under construction above a three-level operational underground metro station.
In Agra, the priority stretch from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar has completed two years of operations. For the remaining section of the first corridor from S.N. Medical College to Sikandra, civil works are complete, with train trials successfully conducted up to ISBT. Meanwhile, civil works on the 15.7 km second corridor are progressing at a fast pace. The first corridor serves as a key corridor for tourists. The six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, are either connected to the existing network or will get connectivity after project completion. Multimodal integration with three railway stations and two bus terminals is also ensured. Many other metro projects in cities like Prayagraj, Jhansi and Bareilly are under consideration, with detailed project reports under preparation.
What role are digital technologies playing in managing assets, optimising operations and improving services?
Digital technologies are making metro operations more connected, predictive and passenger-focused. At UPMRC, their use spans asset management, train operations, energy management and passenger services. India is actively advancing metro automation towards GoA 3 and 4 levels, making driverless train operations a reality. UPMRC is among the top players pursuing these advancements. The trains on the east-west corridor in Lucknow will be completely driverless. For asset management, digital systems provide continuous information on the condition of rolling stock, tracks, signalling, traction, station equipment and power systems. This helps identify potential issues early and supports predictive maintenance. In operations, real-time data and analytics help optimise train frequency and headways, monitor congestion, manage resources, track energy consumption and respond to operational incidents. Advanced signalling and automated systems further improve network efficiency. The Kanpur and Agra Metros are the first in India to monitor real-time on-board signalling data across all trains.
UPMRC is also the first metro in India to conduct a cybersecurity audit for operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), with assistance from Bharat Electronics Limited. It is also the first in India to receive CBC accreditation and launch an international online training programme for metro professionals.
As per I-Metro data, UPMRC trains across Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra have recorded 75 per cent higher signalling reliability, 6 per cent higher train reliability, 31 per cent lower station energy consumption and 6 per cent lower train energy consumption per kilometre compared with other Tier II metro systems.
Technology is also improving passenger experience through real-time passenger information, QR and contactless ticketing, mobile and UPI payments, intelligent CCTV and video analytics, and improved journey information. Passenger satisfaction and connectivity are our key focus areas, for which we have implemented a customer relationship management programme, which is a comprehensive, passenger-centric framework designed to make public transport more responsive, inclusive, accessible and connected with the community.
What strategies are being adopted to make systems energy-efficient and sustainable?
Sustainability is embedded across the life cycle of UPMRC’s metro systems, guided by our “Green Metro, Clean Metro” philosophy. Our focus is on measurable improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and resource management. Lucknow Metro currently has the lowest energy consumption among underground and elevated stations in India. Its traction energy consumption is also one of the lowest.
Further, UPMRC is one of the two metro systems in the country procuring economical power through an energy exchange platform. Our specific energy consumption stands at 6.93 kWh per train-kilometre, among the lowest in the Indian metro sector. Station energy optimisation has reduced average monthly consumption by 12.18 per cent at elevated stations and 62.18 per cent at underground stations. One example is the CO2 sensor-based intelligent HVAC system in metro coaches, which adjusts fresh air intake according to occupancy and has resulted in annual energy savings of about Rs 7 million. We also continuously optimise automatic train operation speed curves to reduce traction energy consumption.
Renewable energy is another key pillar, with 4.122 MW of rooftop solar installations generating about 4.8 MUs annually. All 48 stations across Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra have received IGBC Platinum certification. We have also implemented rainwater harvesting, conserving approximately 6.2 million litres annually, while treated wastewater is reused at zero discharge depots.
Regenerative braking recovers nearly 45 per cent of traction energy, resulting in annual electricity savings of approximately 21 MUs. UPMRC has also commissioned 1 MW of traction inverters at the Kanpur and Agra Metros, enabling surplus regenerative energy to be fed back into the 33 kV grid and generating about 0.7 MUs annually. Alongside station energy optimisation, these initiatives contribute to overall annual electricity savings of approximately 44 MUs.
What are the key challenges faced by metro authorities today? How are these being addressed?
Metro projects are large and complex, where timely approvals, labour availability, land acquisition and utility shifting remain important challenges, particularly in densely populated cities. These require coordination with multiple agencies while also addressing environmental and social considerations such as tree relocation and construction around existing infrastructure and heritage areas.
Financial sustainability is another key concern. Metro systems require high upfront investment and significant operational expenditure, while fares must remain affordable. This makes non-fare revenue, property development and other sustainable revenue streams increasingly important. At UPMRC, we are working rigorously on financial sustainability and running metros in operational profit. Increasing non-fare box revenue is a key focus area. As per KPI data for metro non-fare box revenue, UPMRC stands at 95 per cent higher than other metros in Tier II cities. Uttar Pradesh has also implemented a TOD policy, identifying about 0.18 million square metres of land around metro corridors in Lucknow and Kanpur.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is changing urban travel behaviour. Building a metro network is only one part of the solution; encouraging people to shift from private vehicles and make the metro a regular part of their daily commute is equally important. Last-mile connectivity is critical to this shift, and UPMRC has partnered with mobility provider aggregators to improve access to stations. We have partnered with Rapido, UTU Mobility, Anjaneya, Bharat Taxi, Uber, etc., for app-based two-wheeler feeder services.
What are the future focus areas and network expansion plans?
Uttar Pradesh is already a leading state in terms of metro projects. Our aim is to expand metro connectivity while making the existing network more accessible, efficient and convenient for passengers. UPMRC envisages developing a 1,575 km metro network across the state by 2047. The initial expansion plan covers 225 km in Lucknow, 200 km in Kanpur and 100 km in Agra, taking the proposed expansion across these three existing metro cities to 525 km. The future, however, is not only about network length. Multimodal integration, last-mile connectivity, renewable energy, digital technology, accessibility and passenger experience will remain equally important. Our aim is to create a connected and sustainable urban mobility system, in which metro rail becomes an integral part of everyday life.
